Dhenkanal DHH COVID-19 death case: Pharmacist dismissed, action against doctor sought 

Dhenkanal: Dhenkanal district administration dismissed a pharmacist for dereliction of duty after a video of a woman trying to resuscitate her COVID-19 infected husband at Dhenkanal district headquarters hospital (DHH) went viral.

In the video, a COVID-19 patient is seen collapsing at the main door of the fever and flu ward of the DHH. His wife is seen making repeated attempts to revive her husband, but failed. She is seen sobbing helplessly and inconsolably at the ward doorstep.

In this connection, the contractual pharmacist was disengaged from duty.

The patient identified as Sushant Prusti (50) of Nadhara village in Angul district had been undergoing treatment in Angul.

He had come to Dhenkanal DHH for antigen test Monday. As they reached the hospital, Sushant collapsed at the main door. His wife sought help from the medical staff but none moved forward. As the video shot by some onlookers went viral, netizens flooded it with comments, alleging utter medical negligence.

However, Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Dr Sujatarani Mishra had refuted the allegations. She had said the patient had multiple comorbidities like high blood pressure and diabetes.

“His antigen test had come out to be positive. He collapsed while sitting at the main gate due to a massive heart attack,” CDMO had said.

On the other hand, Dhenkanal District Collector Bhumesh Chandra Behera said a show-cause notice has been served on the CDMO over this issue.

“At the same time, a recommendation has already been sent to the state government to initiate action against the doctor on duty on that particular day,” Behera said.

PNN